Provisional plating of Type III open tibia fractures prior to intramedullary nailing

Intramedullary nailing of tibial shaft fractures is the preferred treatment of most displaced, unstable tibial shaft fractures. In open tibia fractures, direct exposure of the fracture segments for irrigation and debridement is required prior to fracture stabilization. We propose a method of provisional stabilization using commonly available implants placed through the associated traumatic open wound prior to intramedullary nailing. This technique, particularly helpful to surgeons operating with limited assistance, employs a temporarily applied 3.5-mm dynamic compression plate or limited contact dynamic compression plate implant secured with unicortical screws, allowing reaming and intramedullary nailing of a reduced, stabilized tibia fracture.